Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy (SAF/IEN)

INCREASING KC-135 LANDING WEIGHTSThe maximum landing weight for the KC-135 is now 235,000 pounds thanks to the initiative displayed by one Airman in the Central Air Operations Command (CAOC).Concerned by the perceived high rate of fuel dumping, he explored ways to avoid wasting an increasingly valuable resource. Ultimately, the Airman developed an innovative solution to alter 1950s-era landing weight restrictions.Through his research, he found the landing weight restriction of 200K pounds was driven by A-Model engine-out climb performance. The J57 engines have long-since been replaced by the R-model (CFM-56) engines, which produce approximately twice the amount of thrust and completely change the engine-out go-around climb profile. With this increase in performance, the KC-135 is able to safely land and execute an engine-out go-around at 235K pounds and eliminate most fuel dumping events.

WHY IT MATTERSThis story is one example of how this generation of aviators and maintenance professionals are embracing the smart use of operational energy resources. Airmen can support the Air Force by applying this mindset throughout the enterprise to change the overall culture as it relates to innovation and operational energy. Individual’s leadership and endorsement of smart operations over time will create an atmosphere where Airmen instinctively operate with an operational energy-focused approach to maximize combat capability through smart energy use.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL ANALYSISAirman Investigation Leads to Operational Improvements

Releasing these landing weight restrictions, the dump frequency is decreased by 80% and fuel dumped by volume is reduced by 90%.

KC-135 Climb Gradient

A group of maintenance, sustainment, and operations professionalsworked to ensure there were no hidden costs or safety issuesassociated with the proposed increase in landing weight. With nobarrier to moving forward, the Airman worked to update AFI-11-2KC-135V3, KC-135 Operations Procedures to reflect the newallowed max landing weight.

Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy (SAF/IEN)Email: USAF.AF.OpEnergy@mail.mil | Phone: (571) 256-4711

www.safie.hq.af.mil/OpEnergy | www.Facebook.com/AirForceEnergy | www.Twitter.com/AFEnergy

OUR MISSIONTo enhance combat capability and mitigate operational risk to the warfighter through energy-informed solutions.

OUR VISIONTo create an energy optimized Air Force that maximizes combat capability for the warfighter.

#FUELMOREFIGHT

Deputy Assistant Secretary ofAIR FORCE OPERATIONAL ENERGY

OPTIMIZING OPERATIONAL ENERGY LEADS TO:

INCREASEDCombat Capability

INCREASED Aircraft Lifespan

LOWERAircraft Maintenance Costs

MORE Training Opportunities

is spent on Air Force aviation fuel ANNUALLY

$5-7 BILLION

additional sorties fueled from a 1% EFFICIENCY INCREASE

8,000

2 BILLIONGALLONS of aviation fuel used by the Air Force ANNUALLY

81% ENERGY BUDGET is spent on aviation fuel

of the Air Force